Abstract

AimsThe study investigated the effects of the combined treatment Parecoxib (Pcox) and 5,10,15,20-tetra-sulphonato-phenyl-porphyrin(TSPP)-mediated photodynamic therapy on Walker 256 carcinosarcoma. Main methodsFive groups of male Wistar rats were used: the control group, treated with TSPP, group 2, irradiated 24h thereafter, group 3, treated with Pcox and irradiated 24h thereafter, groups 4 and 5 treated with combined therapies, TSPP and Pcox before irradiation, and Pcox 24h after TSPP and irradiation respectively. Tumour inflammation, growth and non-growth factors, apoptosis/necrosis rate and oxidative/nitrosative stress markers were investigated. Key findingsMalondialdehyde levels and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression increased significantly in the group treated with Pcox after TSPP-PDT when compared with TSPP+IR group (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively), in correlation with a decrease in glutathione levels (p<0.05). The quantification of apoptosis, based on the TUNEL-assay, and necrosis rate revealed an increase of apoptotic/necrotic index in the same group (p<0.05). On the other hand, Pcox administered before irradiation showed a significant increase in both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and COX-2 levels (p<0.05) and in nitric oxide production (p<0.01), when compared with the control group. SignificanceThe administration of Pcox after TSPP-mediated PDT showed promising antitumoural effects, leading to an increase in oxidative and nitrosative stress as well as apoptosis/necrosis rate in tumour tissue. These results show that combined regimens that involve selective COX-2 inhibitors administration after irradiation may improve the therapeutic effectiveness of PDT.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.